Lately, since love had seemed an impossibility, I had steeled myself against it. But I held Claire, and that was that forever. Something was sealed. Desire abides. It is all people have that stands proof against time. Everything else rots. Charles Frazier

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, moody morning up top. The high yesterday reached 18 degrees. The overnight low was 7 degrees, recorded early yesterday morning. It was 13 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still an inch of snow remaining on the ground. I would definitely recommend Microspikes if you intend to reach the summit. There is black ice lurking beneath the snow, waiting to ruin your day. Be careful out there!

I spent yesterday going out on whatever whimsical micro adventure captured my imagination in that moment. There are some days where it feels alright to curl up with a good book or do some writing, but yesterday was just too alluring. At times I worry that my attention span is dwindling, but then I rationalize it to myself - there is just so much to see. There is no harm in curiosity, only a quiet private joy. I don't feel quite as bad for leaving my books and notepad behind after I jump through these imaginary hoops. There is so much to learn and transmit, but at the core of all that is experience. We all live to live and I have tracked my stealthy bobcat friend and watched the pure golden sunset and strolled through the forest primeval. I always feel like a rich man afterwards.

I think it's ok if you go exploring or sit by the fire & read or write. You have plenty of opportunity for both, with both being acceptable.

Goodness knows there will be time when you won't have the choice to do either. Even though the inn is "asleep", there's plenty of work to be done just keeping the place maintained.

Thank you for sharing your day to day life - it means a lot to those of us who live at "lower elevations". ;-)

stay warm & safe!

Reply

Sharon S

1/13/2016 08:25:32 am

You are most definitely surrounded by riches! Thank you for sharing them with the rest of us.

Reply

Steve

1/14/2016 08:36:20 am

What is the most popular hike to LeConte during the winter? I have been to LeConte several times during the summer, all by Alum Cave, but never in the winter, which I plan on doing in a couple of weeks.

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Cola Vaughan

1/18/2016 07:42:48 pm

13 moons. Nice quote, great story. Can you see Thomas Divide or does the main ridge block it off? I've begun to discover from lucky chance encounters with multi-generational locals that a lot of the stories woven into Charles Frazier's stories have some historical basis.

Thanks for all you do JP!

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LeConte Lodge

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